Motor vehicle crashes can result in severe and life-threatening injuries.
Whether you are the driver or passenger of a motor vehicle involved in an accident, or if you were a pedestrian involved in a collision with a motor vehicle, it’s important to learn more about seeking compensation for injuries from a crash.
At Blasingame, Burch, Garrard & Ashley, P.C., we understand how car accident injuries affect every aspect of your life. With over 40 years of experience, our experienced Athens auto accident attorneys fight to hold negligent parties accountable and secure fair compensation for clients across Georgia.
We know the tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts, and we work tirelessly to level the playing field.
Our dedicated Georgia personal injury lawyers are here to help if you’ve been seriously injured in an accident. We have extensive experience handling a wide range of cases.
Below, we discuss some of the most common car accident injuries our clients face and how we can help.
For a free consultation, please give us a call at (706) 354-4000 or submit our online form today.
Whiplash
There are many different types of injuries from car accidents, and one of the most common is whiplash. According to the Mayo Clinic, whiplash is a type of neck injury that results from “forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck, like the cracking of a whip.” Whiplash is an injury that occurs most frequently in rear-end car crashes.
Symptoms include, but are not limited to:
- Neck pain,
- Neck stiffness, and
- Headaches.
Sometimes whiplash signs and symptoms do not show up immediately, so it’s important to be seen by a healthcare provider after a crash, even if you don’t have symptoms.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries are among the most common injuries sustained in car accidents and can range from mild to severe.
These injuries involve damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments and often include:
- Sprains,
- Strains, and
- Tears.
Whiplash is a specific type of soft tissue injury, but other areas of the body, such as the shoulders, wrists, or ankles, can also be affected. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and limited range of motion. While these injuries may not seem severe at first, untreated soft tissue damage can lead to chronic pain or joint instability. Physical therapy is often necessary to restore full mobility.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a “disruption in the normal function of the brain that can be caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or penetrating head injury.”
Car accidents are one of the leading causes of TBIs and other forms of head trauma.
Common signs and symptoms of TBIs include, but are not limited to:
- Headaches,
- Blurred vision,
- Nausea or vomiting,
- Sensitivity to light or noise,
- Fatigue,
- Difficulty concentrating,
- Difficulty thinking clearly,
- Memory problems,
- Irritability,
- Anxiety, and
- Change in sleeping patterns (sleeping too much or sleeping too little).
TBIs are particularly concerning because symptoms may not appear immediately. Even minor fender benders can cause common car crash injuries like concussions, which may have lasting effects if not treated promptly.
Seeking medical attention after any head injury is always recommended.
Fractures or Broken Bones
Fractures, also known as broken bones, are another common injury in motor vehicle crashes.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), bones can be partially or completely fractured. There are many different kinds of fractures within the categories of partial and complete breaks. The AAOS cites trauma from motor vehicle accidents as one of the most common causes of fractures. While most fractures are especially painful, it may not be immediately apparent to you that you have broken a bone and need medical attention.
Signs and symptoms of fractures include, but are not limited to:
- Swelling,
- Tenderness in the area of the injury,
- Bruising, and
- Deformity (where a limb looks “out of place”).
Compound fractures, where the bone pierces the skin, require immediate surgical intervention. Even less severe fractures can lead to complications such as nerve damage or chronic pain if untreated.
Internal Bleeding and Organ Damage
Internal bleeding is an extremely serious injury that can result from trauma in a car accident, according to WebMD. While most cases of internal bleeding result from “obvious injuries that require rapid medical attention,” some people will not show signs of internal bleeding for hours or even days after the accident.
High impact car accident injuries are often to blame for damage to internal organs such as the spleen or liver. Symptoms of internal bleeding may include abdominal pain, lightheadedness, or even fainting. Emergency care is essential for these injuries.
Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
The impact of a collision can result in severe back and spinal cord injuries.
Back injuries might include herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, or severe sprains, while spinal cord injuries could lead to partial or total paralysis.
Symptoms of these injuries often include:
- Severe back pain,
- Difficulty moving limbs,
- Loss of sensation in certain parts of the body, and
- Changes in bowel or bladder function.
In some cases, a spinal cord injury can result in long-term disability, making rehabilitation and physical therapy crucial for recovery. Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes for victims of spinal injuries.
Burns and Lacerations
Vehicle fires or collisions with sharp debris often cause burns and lacerations. Burns may result from contact with hot surfaces, chemicals, or vehicle explosions, while lacerations frequently occur from broken glass or metal fragments.
Symptoms can include:
- Pain,
- Redness,
- Swelling, and
- Open wounds or blisters.
Burns and deep lacerations also carry a high risk of complications, such as infection or scarring, if not treated promptly. Severe burns may require skin grafts and long-term wound care, while deep lacerations can leave permanent scars and may require stitches or surgery.
Knee and Joint Injuries
Blunt force trauma to the knees or joints are also common injuries in a car accident. Knees can smash against the dashboard, causing dislocations, cartilage tears, or ligament strains. Joint injuries can lead to chronic pain, mobility issues, and, in some cases, surgery. Symptoms may include swelling, instability, and a reduced range of motion.
Common treatments include physical therapy or surgery, depending on the severity of the injury. Delays in treatment can worsen joint damage over time.
Eye Injuries
Eye injuries are a severe but lesser-discussed consequence of car accidents. They can occur when broken glass, debris, or airbags make contact with the eyes during a collision.
Symptoms may include:
- Blurred vision,
- Pain or discomfort in the eye area,
- Redness or swelling, and
- Partial or complete vision loss.
Severe eye injuries, such as retinal detachment or damage to the optic nerve, may require emergency surgery. Even minor injuries can result in long-term vision problems if not treated promptly. If you’ve suffered an eye injury in a car accident, seeking immediate medical attention and documenting your injury can be critical for your case.
Emotional and Psychological Injuries
Not all car accident injuries are physical. Many people injured in traffic crashes experience emotional and physiological harm, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
According to the American Psychiatric Association, PTSD can occur in a person who has experienced a traumatic event, such as a car crash.
Symptoms of PTSD include:
- Anxiety,
- Flashbacks,
- Nightmares, and
- Emotional detachment.
Victims may also experience depression, a fear of driving, or other stress-related conditions that affect their quality of life. A healthcare provider can better assess the severity of your injuries and can help to ensure you have complete medical records to be used as evidence in a car accident lawsuit.
What to Do After a Car Accident
The actions you take immediately after a car crash can have a significant effect on your physical recovery and any potential claim for your injuries and financial losses.
Here’s what to do:
- Get medical help. See a doctor or visit a hospital immediately, even if you feel uninjured. Some injuries don’t show up immediately.
- Call the police. An official report documenting the accident is necessary.
- Collect information. Take pictures of the vehicles, the area around the accident, and any injuries. Get the other driver’s contact and insurance details.
- Track your expenses. Keep all medical bills, repair costs, and records of lost wages or other accident-related expenses.
- Talk to a lawyer. Before you talk to any insurance company, get advice from an attorney who handles personal injury cases.
Following these steps will help protect your rights and start you on the road to recovery.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Georgia
If you’ve been researching common car accident injuries, you’ve probably already realized how much these injuries can disrupt your life. Medical bills, time away from work, and ongoing treatment all add up, leaving you with more questions than answers.
Whether you’re dealing with whiplash, fractures, or more serious car accident injuries, it’s worth understanding how you may recover compensation when another person is at fault for the accident.
An aggressive Georgia car accident lawyer at our firm can discuss your options with you today. Contact Blasingame, Burch, Garrard & Ashley, P.C. online or call (706) 354-4000 to get started on your claim.
We have offices in Athens and Lake Oconee and take cases across the state of Georgia. We offer free consultations and there is no fee unless we win your case.
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